Mourinho's two demands to Real Madrid

The information was revealed by Matteo Moretto on La Pizarra, the Radio MARCA space directed by Miguel Quintana, Adrián Blanco, and Álex de Llano. The Italian journalist stated that there is a firm directive in Valdebebas: the club wants to sign “100%” another central defender.

Real Madrid seeks a central defender with José Mourinho's stamp

The new white project bears the signature of José Mourinho, who is directly influencing the selection of profiles. The Portuguese coach wants a stronger, more competitive defense, ready to sustain big games both in Spain and in Europe.

Real Madrid has already taken important steps with the arrival of Ibrahima Konaté, but the coaching staff believes that another specialist is still needed to raise the internal level. The idea is not only to fill gaps but also to create real competition in all defensive positions.

According to Moretto, José Mourinho is personally calling, asking, and probing several names. This level of involvement from the coach makes it clear that the club is not seeking a mere complement but a central defender capable of entering the rotation from day one.

Tomás Araujo, youth and potential for Real Madrid

One of the most favored names is Tomás Araujo, a Portuguese central defender from Benfica and one of the defenders with the most room for growth in the Portuguese league. At 24 years old, he is under contract until 2029 and has a market value close to 28 million euros, although his actual release price would be considerably higher.

Tomás Araujo's profile fits due to his age, physique, and ability to play with space behind him. He is a fast central defender, aggressive in anticipation, and good at ball control, qualities highly valued in a team aiming to defend further away from their area.

The challenge lies with Benfica. The Portuguese club usually does not sell cheaply, especially not to key players with long contracts. Therefore, if Real Madrid decides to pursue him seriously, they will need to prepare a strong offer or include variables that convince Benfica.

Ruben Dias, the most proven option on the market

The other significant name on the table is Ruben Dias, a player from Manchester City and a familiar face to José Mourinho due to his competitive leadership. The Portuguese defender is 29 years old, with a contract until 2029 and an approximate market value of 55 million euros.

Unlike other candidates, Ruben Dias offers immediate performance. He is an established central defender with experience in the Premier League, Champions League, and the Portuguese national team. However, his signing would be much more complex due to salary, status, and transfer cost.

City is not in need of selling and would only negotiate if the player pushes for a move or if an irresistible offer comes in. Therefore, although he is highly regarded, the operation requires patience and a significant investment.

Schlotterbeck also appears on the white radar

Another name in the defensive casting is Nico Schlotterbeck, a central defender from Borussia Dortmund. The German recently renewed his contract, which includes an exit clause between 50 and 60 million euros, a more defined figure than in other cases.

This detail makes him a very appealing alternative. If the player agrees, the process could be more straightforward than a long negotiation with Benfica or Manchester City. Additionally, his natural left-footedness adds a tactical nuance that could benefit the white defense.

Real Madrid aims to avoid improvisations and secure a reliable defense as soon as possible to compete for all titles. Tomás Araujo, Ruben Dias, and Schlotterbeck represent three distinct paths: projection, hierarchy, or affordable clause. The final decision will depend on Mourinho, but the message is clear: Madrid is not done with transfers yet.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las dos exigencias de Mourinho al Real Madrid